Thailand Plans More Visa Waivers, Events to Lift Lagging Tourism Revenue

(Bloomberg) — Tourism-reliant Thailand is lining up hundreds of cultural and sporting events and may waive visa requirements for travelers from more European countries, as it works to induce holidaymakers to stay longer and spend more.

The Southeast Asian nation — popular for its vibrant nightlife, beaches and national parks — is discussing a plan to let tourists of some European nationalities stay as long as 90 days, Prommin Lertsuridej, a top aide to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, said in an interview Thursday. There will also be about 3,000 events like music concerts, marathons and other cultural festivities organized through to next year to draw tourists, he said.